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Thursday, September 25, 2014

Fall into Fitness


Fall into Fitness Challenge group beginning October 6th. 

This is my new 21-Day Fix group which will focus on clean eating, portion control and daily workouts. We will work on meal planning, tips for eating out and you will be in a closed group with other awesome women who are all working toward the same goals!
It is possible to do big things in a short amount of time!

teambeachbodynls@gmail.com
Email me if interested! 

Tuesday, September 16, 2014

Oatmeal Goodness Recipe


Oatmeal is so good for you and so many people dislike it! WHY?? It's so simple and easy to make and makes a great breakfast or afternoon snack. Try this recipe and you might change your mind forever!

1/3 Cup Old Fashioned Oats
1 tsp coconut oil
1 tbsp or less of water
1 tsp cinnamon or pumpkin pie spice
Sweetener - Honey is good or Stevia
Heat

Enjoy!

Shakeology Smackdown Group



Shakeology has soooo many awesome health benefits. A lot of people are skeptical at first and don't really know much about it, or what it can really do for them. For this reason, we have created this 30-day Shakeology Smackdown group where you will learn everything there is to know about Shakeology. All the questions you have will be answered! It's going to be a fun, educational group, so be ready to learn!

Email me at teambeachbodynls@gmail.com

Tuesday, September 2, 2014

6 Unhealthy Habits

I read this article online today by Emily Main and had to share. It's about unhealthy habits that are just as bad or worse than smoking... and we all know that smoking is BAD!




You don’t smoke. You live a generally healthy life, so you’re in the clear as far as unhealthy habits are concerned, right?
Not so fast! It seems like every day, a new study comes out finding that habit X is “as bad for you as smoking,” whether it’s sitting all day or eating too much fat. So is there any legitimacy to those claims? We checked out a bunch of those studies to find out what the researchers mean when they claim that those things are as bad for you as cigarettes, and in most cases, they’re not lying. The following six unhealthy habits either expose you to the same contaminants in cigarette smoke or lead to cancer rates equivalent to those caused by smoking. Fortunately, these are easy to fix with a few modifications to your daily routine so you (and your heart and your lungs) can be glad you don’t in fact smoke.

1. Sitting all day
Even if you exercise regularly, habitually sitting for prolonged periods, whether at a desk or in a car, is being increasingly linked to a variety of health problems. According to Alberta Health Services-Cancer Care in Canada, inactivity is linked to nearly 160,000 cases of breast, colon, prostate, and lung cancer every year, about two-thirds as many cancer cases caused by smoking.
Make it right: Make it a habit to take breaks on-the-move at work, and even make (or buy) a standing workstation so you’re less apt to sit all day. At home, resist the temptation to veg out in front of the TV. Go for a short walk around the block to relax, spend a few minutes cleaning, or schedule a gym date with your significant other.
2. Eating too much meat and cheese
Animal proteins are rich in IGF-1, a growth hormone that can promote the growth of cancer cells. And a study from the University of Southern California published in the journal Cell Metabolism recently found that people on high-animal-protein diets during middle age were four times more likely to die of cancer than people on low-protein diets—a mortality risk factor comparable to smoking.
Make it right: Replace some of your animal proteins with vegetarian protein sources. The same study found that diets high in plant-based proteins like beans, which have protein levels equivalent to some meats, didn’t trigger the same increase in cancer rates. In general, middle-aged adults should be eating 0.8 grams of protein for every 2 pounds of body weight daily. Interestingly, the study found that once you pass the age of 65, eating lots of animal protein isn’t as harmful because your body’s production of IGF-1 begins to slow down.
3. Cooking with Natural Gas
If you’re one of the 34 percent of Americans whose home is equipped with a gas stove, you’re getting an added dose of carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, and formaldehyde every time you cook a meal. Those same three contaminants are common in secondhand cigarette smoke, and a December 2013 study in Environmental Health Perspectives found that all three contaminants in homes with gas stoves regularly exceeded public health guidelines.
Make it right: Use your vent hood when you use your gas oven or cooktop. Ventilating a gas range can reduce pollutant levels by 60 to 90 percent, even if the fan seems wimpy. Also, cook on your back burners: Most vent hoods aren’t properly centered over a cooktop; using the back burners will help your vent hood capture the most pollution.
4. Cooking with the wrong oil
Even if you rely on an electric stove at your house, you aren’t immune to cooking’s polluting effects. Studies on restaurant and residential kitchens have shown that high-heat cooking with shortening and soybean oil (usually just called “vegetable oil” in the U.S.) releases particulate matter, aldehydes, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, all compounds found in cigarette smoke and linked to airway inflammation.
Make it right: Pick the type of cooking oil best suited your use. For instance, olive oil isn’t good for frying or high-heat cooking but is fine for cooking at low temperatures or in salad dressings. Avocado oil, on the other hand, is great for high-heat cooking. Look for the “smoke point” on oils that you buy to make sure the oil matches your needs. And don’t forget to run the ventilation hood!
5. Tanning Indoors
A recent study in the Journal of the American Medical Association estimated that indoor tanning causes roughly 420,000 cases of skin cancer in the U.S. every year. Smoking, by comparison, causes 226,000 cases of lung cancer.
Make it right: Learning to love pale skin is step number one. But if you really want a natural glow, eat more carrots and tomatoes, suggests a study published in the journal Evolution and Human Behavior. Both foods are rich in carotenoids, which will boost your skin tone, and you won’t have to worry about exposure to sketchy ingredients in sunless tanning sprays and lotions.
6. Not getting enough sleep
This will make you really cranky: Chronic sleep deprivation triggers high blood pressure, heart attacks, strokes, obesity, and a host of other health problems. One study even found that not getting at least six or seven hours of sleep led to mortality rates on par with those seen in cigarette smokers. Even getting poor-quality or fragmented sleep—when you don’t necessarily fully wake up, but the cycle from light to deep sleep gets interrupted—can speed the growth of tumors.
Make it right: Don’t assume that being tired is normal. If you feel like you aren’t getting enough sleep regularly, talk to a health professional to see if you might be suffering from a condition such as sleep apnea that is interfering with your sleep.

Monday, September 1, 2014

New Beginnings


August has been a crazy month and I have been so incredibly sidetracked from vacations, to weddings, to life just getting in the way.  We all get busy, it happens and the key is to start fresh and get back on track. Don't beat yourself up, you are only human.

I have made a promise to myself today to start eating better, not just to lose weight, but for my health. It's not about losing weight to look like a model or to be better than anyone else, it's about being healthy for you. You have one body and you NEED to treat it well. It's your machine and you need to keep it fueled with good stuff.

Make a promise to yourself today to better your life, whether it's eating better, exercising, calling a friend you haven't talked to in a year, whatever it is that you want to do and haven't.


Sunday, July 20, 2014

Scrumptious Turkey Meatloaf


Scrumptious Turkey Meatloaf


This is a great weeknight meal that you can prepare after work and get a few chores done around the house by the time you are ready to eat. This is a fast, quick and easy recipe for everyone (myself included) that does not want to be in the kitchen all night after a long workday.

Ingredients:
  • 1 1/2 cup chopped onion
  • 3 garlic cloves minced
  • 1 pound ground turkey
  • 3/4 cup old fashioned oats
  • 1 egg
  • 3/4 cup ketchup
  • 2 tsp. Worcester dauce
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp pepper
  • 2 tbsp ground flax seed
  • olive oil spray


Direction:
Heat oven to 350 degrees. Heat a skillet over medium heat and add 1/2 tbsp olive oil and sauté onion, garlic. Saute until soft and lightly browned. Combine all ingredients in large bowl and form into your meatloaf. Bake in the oven for 1 hour or until center no longer pink. Drizzle ketchup over to to keep moist.

You can serve this with a rice or a potato and fresh vegetables like broccoli or green beans.

Tuesday, July 8, 2014

Forgiveness and Growing

This video spoke to me and I have to share it with as many people as I can...

Bad things happen to all of us... it's how you choose to deal with those things.. if you choose to grow or let it hold you back.

You have a choice... choose wisely.


Sunday, July 6, 2014

Shakeology vs. everything else


There is not enough room on this page for me to say all the awesome reasons why I love Shakeology...I love it, period. I love the energy it gives me, I love that it's a simple breakfast meal to throw in the blender every morning when I'm running out the door to work and I love the taste and being creative with my recipes!

A lot of people hit a road block when they find out the price... but realistically... look at this comparison chart I made. If you go to McDonald's drive-thru in the morning how much is your breakfast? How much are you really spending on that Starbucks coffee everyday? What about that "healthy" salad you are picking up at Wendy's? Did you ever stop to think about the amount of fat and calories that are packed into what you are eating?

Look at this Wendy's salad that is supposedly a "healthy" option... 1330 mg of sodium???? YIKES! Ummm... no thanks..

What about your Vanilla latte? 35g of sugar and a caffeine high!? check back with me later when you are crashing!

Yes, you can continue to feed your body with high sugar, high sodium garbage, or make a change and feed your body with what it craves. Feeling good is way better than crashing on caffeine and it's cheaper!!

So, when you go and spend that $4-5 on an unhealthy meal.. think about what you could really do with that $4. Shakeology has changed my life and why wouldn't I want to share that with everyone? Why wouldn't I want to share how great I feel!?! 

Give it a try and if you don't like it... send it back and get a full refund. I promise it will change your life.

Go here, try it out and order HD so you only pay $2 in shipping!



Tuesday, June 24, 2014

3-Day Refresh Kit Info


Summit 2014 brought lots of new things to Beachbody! One launch that I am in love with and CANNOT wait to try, is the 3-day Refresh. We had people who were doing cleanses strictly with Shakeology and while that works, this 3-day refresh packet is intended to provide you with what you need for a cleanse specific formula. Super nutrition, fiber sweep and a high protein vanilla fresh for make up the cleanse kit. With this program you also get healthy snack and dinner options, so that you are not starving yourself. The shakes are satisfying and it's 3 days to reset your body in a healthy way. 

Many other cleanse options on the market are high in sugar and starve your body. The 3-day fresh is a great, healthy way to detox your body. Cleansing can provide you with increased energy and make your body feel awesome. 

We are all busy and one thing I love is that this is 3 days. I know many people work full-time Monday thru Friday and if you're like me... you want to do a cleanse on the weekend. This way you are home, you can prepare your shakes and meals and don't have to worry about running out the door to work and forgetting something. This is quick, convenient and realistically, why would you not want to detox your body? Get rid of the gunk, so you feel good and your body can work at top performance. We only have one body...we need to treat it well.


What comes in the kit?

3-Day Refresh complete kit: regular price $69.95 
                                               coach price  $52.46
  • 3 packets of Shakeology (your choice of flavor)
  • 6 packets of Vanilla fresh (high protein shake)
  • 3 packets of Fiber Sweep (digestive health drink)
  • 1 program guide with helpful info, large selection of easy-to-prepare meals and a list of fresh fruits and vegetables to snack on throughout the day


                                                                 coach price  $44.96

*This kit includes everything the Complete Kit offers, except it is for those who are already drinking Shakeology on a daily basis and have it available for the cleanse* 



Saturday, June 14, 2014

Be the first to get PiYo and define yourself!

Piyo test group, Piyo information, Piyo


Chalene Johnson has done it again. She is coming out with a brand new program called Piyo!! Summer has just started and this program is 60 days long, so you still have a time to get that body bikini and shorts ready!!! 

Who is Piyo for?
You do not have to be any specific fitness level to start Piyo. Piyo is about flexibility and strength and working your core. It is a high intensity, low impact workout so it's great for people with knee or joint issues. There are no weights involved, you are basically using your own body weight to sculpt and tone for a complete body transformation. 


Piyo, piyo group, piyo results


What do the workouts consist of?

The workouts are 25-45 minutes long.

You can receive your copy of Piyo 2 weeks before it launches if you make me your coach and fill out this form.

As a coach, you can receive 25% off your Piyo purchase as well.  So make sure you ask me how you can get this discount.






Workout Sequence


  • Align (46 mins): The Fundamentals (46 mins)
  • Upper Body (35 mins): this focused workout will strengthen and stretch your entire body, while building on the movement patterns you have learned in Align.
  • Define: Lower Body (25 mins) will shape and tone everything from your glutes, hamstrings, quads and calves gently, yet effectively to help you get sleek and lean legs.
  • Sweat (35 mins) is a traditional PiYo Workout that is fast paced with body weight strength training and ab work!
  • Core (30 mins) an ab-centric workout that targets every angle of the abdominals and back. I’ve read this will be a calorie-torcher too!
  • Drench (45 mins) is a total body workout to get you sweaty, burning calories, and going to have your metabolism on fire!
  • Strength Intervals (25 mins) designed to tone the whole body and burn tons of calories with no weights required!
  • Sculpt (30 mins) no weights are required for this intense, full-body workout either!
  • You’ll receive 9 workouts total plus get them 2 weeks earlier through a coach – sign up to get them first here.
Piyo will be released on June 23rd to Team Beachbody Customers. You can score your copy before everyone else and be in my exclusive Piyo test group. This is for a select number of individuals, who are committed to starting and finishing the program and getting the best results possible. In order to secure a spot, you need to be 100% committed!

How does the test group work?
This is a closed Facebook accountability group, where everyone will share their results and provide support for each other.

Fill out this form to be accepted.



 







Monday, June 9, 2014

Kitchen Makeover


Did you ever notice when you stand in front of the fridge you go after what looks good and what takes the least amount of time to prepare. The good fruits and veggies that are hidden in the crisper....well we usually forget about those, because they take time to wash and cut. I don't know about you, but when I'm hungry, standing around cutting vegetables, isn't what I want to be doing.

What can help with this? 

Pick a day before you start your week. Sundays usually work best for most people who work mon-fri. For those of you that have a different schedule, pick a day that you are off and can do your grocery shopping and meal prep. Buy your veggies and fruits at the grocery store, clean them and cut them and display them in clear plastic containers at eye level in your fridge. Now when you open your fridge, you have fresh cut fruits and veggies to snack on. You can also buy pre-cut vegetables at most grocery stores now, if you are running low on time.

Eat this/Not that

Look in your refrigerator for your regular staples. What are some things that are bad (and you know it) that you are always buying. Are there healthier alternatives? 

A good place to start is with the Fooducate App. I love this App! I have the free version and during set-up it will ask you if you want to track or are looking for special dietary preferences like vegetarian or vegan and will also track if you are looking for lowering blood pressure, lowering cholesterol, eating for pregnancy etc. It will give you daily tips and when you are the grocery store, you can scan an item and it will bring up all the facts about it. It will give you a food rating, how many calories per serving along with information about whole grains and fiber etc. It will also give you alternatives.

For example: Wheat thins. It tells me all about wheat things and will give me alternatives if I am looking for something else similar to this.


Some things that I make substitutions for are greek yogurt for sour cream. I no longer buy dressings in the store and instead make my own. I use mainly olive oil and vinegar based dressings now, instead of heavy ranch and creamy based dressings. I rarely cook with butter and use olive oil for everything.


The Pantry

The pantry can be most people's worst nightmare. Why? Because this is where we store our candy and cookies and chips and everything that is not good for us. If you are making a commitment to your health, I suggest you go to your pantry now and throw out the junk!!! Get rid of the chips and cookies! Just throw it away and get it out of your sight and make a promise to yourself to not buy that stuff. 

Do you need to have a brownie mix in the house for a party coming up? Sure, But, put it out of your sight on the highest shelf possible behind something. This way...out of sight...out of mind.  So basically whatever is bad for you, goes at the top and work your way down. Keep things like rice cakes, protein bars, Shakeology, nuts, brown rice, etc. on the lower shelves where they are accessible and easy to see.

Most of the time, I have a list of what is in the pantry and re-stock from there when I am getting low on things. I never have chips or cookies in my house. The only chips you will find are tortilla chips because I have a salsa obsession! lol 

I do this intentionally because if I had cookies and chips, I would be eating them right now! And to save myself from that, I avoid the chip and cookie aisle completely!! I take a sneak peek down the aisle every once and awhile, but then remember the commitment I made to not eat that stuff and avoid it like the plague! lol

Doing a kitchen makeover can be tough and here are a few steps that you can take now to start on the right track:
1. Remove high fat and high sugar temptations from your kitchen
2. Survey your refrigerator for frequently consumed items that you can substitute for lower fat and reduced calorie alternatives
3. Stock up on small plastic food bags, snack containers and clear plastic fruit bowls for display.
4. Spring clean your fridge and make way for fresh fruits and veggies
5. Divide healthy snacks and place in the front/center of the pantry

P.S. Have fun with this guys! This is a great opportunity to spice up your pantry and fridge and add organization and use cute containers and labels :)




Good Luck! 




Sunday, June 8, 2014

Herbed Chicken


This is a tasty recipe that is very light and delicious.

Ingredients:
  • 8 oz pasta such as spaghetti or linguine
  • 1 1/2 tsp basil leaves
  • 1 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp crushed rosemary
  • 3 tbsp flour, divided
  • 1 1/2 lbs thin-sliced boneless skinless chicken breasts
  • 2 to 3 tbsp. olive oil
  • 1 small onion, finely chopped
  • 1 can (14 1/2 oz.) petite diced tomatoes, drained
  • 1 1/2 cups unsalted chicken stock
  • 2 tbsp. fat free half-and-half


Directions:
  • Cook pasta as directed, drain well
  • Mix seasonings in shallow dish.
  • Reserve 2 tsp.
  • Stir 2 tbsp. flour into remaining seasoning mixture in dish
  • Coat chicken in seasoned flour and discard remaining flour
  • Heat 1 tbsp. oil in large skilled o medium head
  • Add chicken in batches cook 2 minutes per side or until golden brown 
  • Add additional 1 tbsp. oil as needed
  • Remove chicken from skilled; keep warm
  • Heat remaining 1 tbsp oil in skillet
  • Add onion, cook and stir 3 minutes or until softened
  • Stir in 1 tbsp four.
  • Add tomatoes, stock and reserved seasoning mixture, bring to boil, stirring occasionally
  • Reduce heat to medium-low, simmer 5 minutes
  • Stir in half-and-half
  • Return chicken to skillet; cook until heated through
  • Serve with pasta


Enjoy!

Summer is here! 10 Yummy foods you should be eating now!


Summer is here! (woo hoo) This is the best time of year because of farm fresh produce! One of my favorite things about summer is going to the farmers market and picking up fresh produce. I think it's great we can support out local farmers and I am a big supporter of buying local. Here are 10 yummy foods out right now that you could be indulging in!
Enjoy!

Avocado. This summer fruit often gets a bad rep for its fat content. Too bad, because it's good fat, if eaten in moderation. Fresh, ripe avocados contain non-oxidized monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fats, which can lower blood pressure, according to the American Heart Association. Why do we love this summer fruit particularly in the sunbathing season? It does a great job at filling up your tummy due to its high fat content, so you're not quite as vulnerable to those naughty snacks that keep you begging for more. There's also research that suggests avocados can reverse the aging process by providing plenty of vitamin E to heal damaged skin.
    CucumberCucumber. Most of us could use a bit more fiber in our diets. The secret is to also up your water intake, so your food can move freely through your system. Cucumbers have the perfect balance of the two. This veggie is great for those summer months when you get all hot and sweaty. Cucumbers are a tasty, convenient snack food and a refreshing pick-me-up to your salads, sandwiches, and even water. 

    Melons. Melons are a summer superfood. They're great, low-calorie snacks that give you a nice, fresh pick-me-up. Melons are full of water; in fact, watermelon in particular gets 92 percent of its weight from water, and its cousins, cantaloupe and honeydew, don't fall far behind. You might notice most of the fruits and veggies that bloom in summer are a great source of water, which of course is Mother Nature taking care of us in the hot, sweaty summer months. Melons do a great job at filling your tummy as well. Full tummy but hot body sounds like a perfect combination for swimsuit season, right?

    Corn. You can buy this summer BBQ staple year-round, but it really tastes the best and is most cost effective during the summer months because, you guessed, it's in season. It contains a bunch of digestive enzymes that will help metabolize your food once it hits your intestines. Corn is high in antioxidants, which keep your immune system healthy. (Who wants to be sick in the summer?) It is a fantastic source of fiber, and it contains lutein and zeaxanthin, which help protect you from the sun's harmful rays. So throw some corn on the barbie. It's good for you.


    LemonLemons. Lemon trees are in bloom year-round, so they aren't actually considered a seasonal fruit.  Like cucumber, lemons are a great way to spice up your water. Doing this makes for a natural system.

    Green beans. These crunchy, scrumptious little veggies are great raw for a summer snack. They also taste amazing grilled with garlic and lemon, and are so incredibly good for you. They're rich in manganese, a nutrient that helps in the metabolism of carbohydrates. Manganese also metabolizes vitamin E, which fights against the signs of aging (an inevitable occurrence that increases when you're exposed to too much sun). This means green beans should be on your grocery list this summer to help keep your skin beautiful and your body fit. 
    Green Beanscleanser that aids digestion (warding off heartburn and gas) and stimulates your liver, according to many holistic practitioners. Furthermore, when you squeeze a little lemon in your water, you tend to drink more, which is always good. Lemons are also a great exfoliant, which is super helpful for those summer days when you start to look like a lizard shedding its skin from all that baking in the sun. Finally, it can also work as a teeth whitener to make your teeth even whiter against your tan skin for a stunning smile. So when life gives you lemons, sure, you could make lemonade, but why not stay away from all that refined sugar? Instead, make hair lightener, teeth whitener, exfoliant, and yummy water.

    Peppers. Peppers have more flavors and are less expensive during the summer months when they're in abundance. Peppers add vivacious color and flavor to your summer meals and contain a plethora of nutrients. The sweeter bell peppers (red and yellow) are packed with vitamin A, which keeps your skin nice and strong while incidentally fighting off infection. Hot peppers like habaneros, jalapenos, serranos, cayenne, and chipotle peppers are low in calories and have the much-desired benefit of being metabolism-enhancing fat burners. Don't blaze off your taste buds trying to shed pounds, but do add a little heat to your summer plates to help kick-start the pound-shedding process.
    Tomatoes
    Tomatoes. These easy-to-grow backyard buddies contain many nutrients that serve as allies against summer's negative attributes. Tomatoes contain lycopene, which is found to be effective in fighting the signs of aging due to ultraviolet light. So when you cut up a nice, juicy tomato and toss it in your salad, you are actually increasing your chances of keeping the youthful sheen that sun exposure can take away. Lycopene also helps fight against cancer. Tomatoes contain vitamins A and C as well as beta-carotene, which are heavy hitters in the war against free radicals that cause cell damage. 

    Cherries. If life were really just a bowl of cherries, it would be one blissful life. Why? Because cherries contain some pretty awesome nutrients. For starters, they contain melatonin, a natural hormone produced in our brain's pineal gland that is known to slow the aging process. Increasing your melatonin levels can offer the benefit of a beautiful night's rest, as well as acting as a pain reliever. Cherries also contain antioxidants (a trend in summer produce, apparently). A 1999 study at Michigan State University found that the antioxidant activity of tart black cherries is greater than plain ol' vitamin E. That's certainly not the pits.

    Peaches. Have you ever compared a peach in the winter and a peach in the summer? If you have, you know how obvious it is that this is indeed a summer fruit. Peaches contain many nutrients that your body needs to stay vital and strong, including vitamins A and C, as well as other antioxidants and fiber. Like corn, peaches also contain lutein and zeaxanthin, which protect your eyes from sun damage.

      PeachesSo don't starve yourself of delectable food this season. Summer offers a wide variety of fruits and vegetables packed with nutrients to make you as beautiful as you can be. Take advantage of the season. It won't be here forever.

      5 things to cut out of your diet


      5 things to cut out of your diet
      by Tony Horton

      When I begin training new clients, the first thing I do is ask them about their diets. Because if you want to get major results, you have to cut out what I call “food porn”—food that’s doing nothing to fuel your body, and in some cases is actually doing more harm than good. To keep things simple, I tell them there are 5 things that they absolutely, positively, MUST stop eating and drinking if they want to achieve their fitness goals:

      1. Processed sugars. I’m talking about white sugar, high fructose corn syrup, sucrose, or pretty much any kind of sugar that came from a factory instead of a piece of fruit. Processed sugar negatively affects your metabolism, your insulin response, even your mood—and all for totally empty calories. Cutting sugar out of your diet means you’re going to have to read some labels, because it is by far the most common food additive in the U.S.

      2. Alcohol. Calories that are as empty as sugar, and at 7 calories a gram, booze can really pack it on. Alcohol also dehydrates your body, which compromises muscle growth. Plus it slows your metabolism, so you burn fewer calories. In short, drinking gives you less muscle and more fat—you’re just undoing everything you’re trying to achieve with your workout.

      3. Caffeine. I know there are a lot of people out there who say caffeine can give your workout a little extra “oomph.” Obviously, it can give you some extra energy to make you push harder, but the cost is that it increases cortisol levels in your body, which inhibits lean muscle growth. Plus, it can negatively affect your sleep patterns, and you’re better off working out when you’re rested than when you’re juiced.

      4. Anything with a face. It used to be that you could find some decent lean meat sources, but in the last few decades, the hormones, antibiotics, and chemicals that have been used to process meat and fish make them pretty worthless as a source of protein. There are plenty of excellent vegetarian protein sources, like beans, tofu, and nuts, so you can eat clean while you get lean.Gluten. Gluten is a grain-derived protein found in lots of different foods, mostly wheat, rye, and barley products. The name comes from the Latin word for “glue.” You don’t need to eat glue. Even if you’re not one of the millions who are sensitive or allergic to gluten, you’ll be operating a much cleaner machine if you cut it out of your diet. There are plenty of other healthier gluten-free alternatives, like millet, amaranth, quinoa, and oats.
        By eliminating these empty or harmful “foods” from your diet, you can start turning your body into the well-oiled machine nature intended it to be. By eating a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, you can give yourself the premium fuel to get into the best shape of your life.
        Peace,
        Tony

        Wednesday, June 4, 2014

        Beachbody Summer Sale

        Beachbody Summer Sale is here!

        From today - June 9th, Beachbody has super awesome discounts on some of my favorite programs. This is the time to buy, especially if you have been hesitant because of price. So, if you have been teetering on if you want to go for it or not, I suggest you take this opportunity to purchase at these discounted prices! Up to 50% off?? That's unheard of!



        Here are the deets:

        Workout Programs 
        • P90X  Originally $120  Discount 50% off = $59.90  (coach price $44.93)
        • P90X2 Originally $120  Discount 50% off = $59.90  (coach price $44.93)
        • Les Mills Pump Originally $166  Discount 50% off = $82.93  (coach price $62.20)
        • Les Mills Combat Originally $60  Discount 40% off = $35.91  (coach price $26.93)
        • ChaLEAN Extreme Originally $90 Discount 34% off = $58.95  (coach price $44.21)
        • Tai Cheng Originally $120  Discount 50% off = $60 (coach price $44.57)
        • Slim in 6 Originally $39  Discount 37% off = $24.95  (coach price $18.71)
        • Hip Hop Abs/Rockin' Abs Originally $20  Discount 50% off = $9.95  (coach price $7.46)
        • Insanity: The Asylum + Free Chin up Bar Originally $149.70  Discount 40% off = $89.87  (coach price $67.39)

        • Barbell Weights 5 lbs. Originally $16.90  Discount 50% off = $8.45  (coach price $6.34)
        • Barbell Weights 10 lbs Originally $31.90  Discount 50% off = $15.95 (coach price $11.96)
        • Les Mills Combat Gloves Originally $40  Discount 50% off = $20  (coach price $14.95)
        • P90X Chin-up Bar Originally $60  Discount 33% off = $39.95  (coach price $29.96)
        • Stability & Medicine Ball Pack Orig $130.85  Discount 85% off = $19.95  (coach price $14.96)
        • Foam Roller Originally $30 Discount 40% off = $17.95  (coach price $13.46)
        • Team Beachbody Apparel Prices Vary. Free shipping! 

        Stuff is going to go fast guys, so if there is something you want, or have wanted for awhile... Do Not Wait!! This stuff sells like hotcakes so make sure you get your hands on what you want!

        This is the first time that I have seen P90X the program that started it all for me on sale! This is a great discount and a great program. I wish it would have been this cheap when I started! I know that many people like to shop Amazon and Ebay for these programs, but from Amazon and Ebay you won't get the coaching and help and accountability that you can get when you buy these and get into a Challenge group. By purchasing from beachbody directly, you get all the bells and whistles when  you open the box, but you also are joining a huge support system and community of people that want to help you. 

        I am happy to help you on your fitness journey and would love to add you to a group of mine so you aren't left out in the cold wondering what to do. We ALL need a support system and do not want you to go it alone. 

        Make a commitment today to yourself to work towards the body you want and the goal you have wanted for a long time. Email me to get started today: teambeachbodynls@gmail.com

        Good luck guys and make a change in your life today!! I know you can do it!




        Saturday, May 31, 2014

        Crock Pot Mexican Chicken


        The one thing I love about crock-pot meals is they are easy to put together and leave on while you are at work. Who doesn't love to come home to dinner already cooked? Throw it together before you leave the house and cook on low for 8-10 hours. Bonus: leftovers can be saved for lunch the next day!

        Ingredients:
        • 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
        • 1 cup black beans
        • 1 cup corn kernels (fresh/frozen)
        • 1 small jar salsa
        • 1 tbsp cumin
        • 1 tbsp chili powder
        • 2 cups cooked brown rice
        *You can spice it up by adding jalapeños or fresh chili peppers*

        Directions:
        • Add to crock pot: chicken breast, beans, corn, salsa, cumin and chili powder. Mix and cook on low 8-10 hours.
        • Serve with cooked brown rice
        *For a creamier version, you can add 1/2 cup greek yogurt in the last 30 minutes of cooking*

        Enjoy!


        Dirty Dozen vs. Clean 15


        Eating organic food all of the time can be expensive, I get it. But, there are some food in particular that if you can't buy everything organic, buy these 12!

        Realistically, it's worth it to spend a little more on certain items to make sure that you are putting good food into your body. Pesticides kill "pests".... so if you think about it... what are those ingredients doing to you?

        Possible symptoms of long-term pesticide exposure:
        • Increased risk of cancer
        • Developmental effects
        • Organ damage
        • Reproductive effects
        • Neurological impairment

        The 12 foods listed below are known as the "dirty dozen". These are the MOST contaminated with pesticides and chemicals!

        Dirty Dozen

        • Apples
        • Celery
        • Strawberries
        • Peaches
        • Spinach
        • Nectarines (imported)
        • Grapes (imported)
        • Sweet bell peppers
        • Potatoes
        • Blueberries (domestic)
        • Lettuce
        • Kale/ collard greens


        The 15 Least Contaminated the "Clean 15" are the items that are O.K. to buy non-organic.

        Clean 15

        • Onions
        • Corn
        • Pineapples
        • Avocado
        • Asparagus
        • Sweet Peas
        • Mangoes
        • Eggplant
        • Cantaloupe (domestic)
        • Kiwi
        • Cabbage
        • Watermelon
        • Sweet potatoes
        • Grapefruit
        • Mushrooms

        21 Day Fix Nutritional info - My Days 1 & 2



        Well, I have officially started my 21-Day fix journey this week! So many great reviews and transformations have been floating around, so I decided it was my turn to give it a try. I read a little bit about what to expect from the workouts and other reviews, that's why I decided to make a review as I go type of thing. 

        I spend Sunday night reading the nutrition guide and reading up about the workouts. Your container allowance is based on a formula they supply you and once you have this number, you can determine how many containers you will be using per day. 

        My range was 1,200 - 1,499 calories per day which allows me to have 3 green (veggies), 2 purple (fruits), 4 red (protein), 2 yellow (carb), 1 blue (nuts), 1 orange (nuts and dressing) 2 spoons (olive oil, nut butters).

        From there, each container is broken down into what you can actually eat in each category. All of this information is included in the guidebook that comes with your packet.

        Example:


        3 times a week you also can replace 1 yellow container with a delicious beverage. Some options are milk, coconut water, fresh fruit juice and DING DING DING WINE! Yes, you can still have that yummy glass of wine while on the fix! Now granted you are replacing a yellow container, which for me I am allotted 2 a day, so on some days I will be ok with replacing one of my yellow for a glass of wine. Most likely, I will only do this once a week.

        What does Shakeology count towards? 1 Red container, which is protein. For me, 1 container of Shakeology leaves me with 3 more red containers for the day. This is perfect because Shakeology is usually my breakfast meal and keeps me full for about 3 hours. 

        You are also allowed to have treats which encompass 1 yellow container 3 times a week. AND something that got me excited was that you don't have to have the size of your treat fit in the yellow container. For example, if you tried to fit cookies inside the yellow container, it probably wouldn't work out so well.. lol SO with that said, yes you can have treats! Some recommended treats are potato chips, chocolate chips or chunks, dried fruit, etc. 

        Recipes! There is a large section of this guidebook devoted to recipes that are fix approved. This is a great section because it gives you meal ideas, dressing ideas and Shakeology recipe ideas. You aren't left out in the cold trying to figure out what to eat and how to prepare meals. This book will help guide you along the way and provide great information and ideas!

        This last section is a pretty big deal for me because I usually eat out at least 1-2 times a week. There is a section in the back of the book that gives you tips for eating out and how restaurant meals compare to portion and your container sizes. So, for example it will tell you that a cheese pizza is 1 yellow and 1 orange. So knowing that information, you can go back to your checklist and eliminated those containers for the day. 

        The guidebook will become your bible for everything on the fix. I always have it with me or take pictures of the pages to know exactly what my choices are and where I'm at in the day. I keep a tally on my phone to what containers I have already had in the day, which helps me stay on track. There are Tally sheets in the back of the guidebook that you can also use, to track and mark off what you had for the day.


        Day 1:

        I had my Shakeology for breakfast and mixed it with Almond milk which is one yellow container and red right off the bat. My struggle is going to be with the yellow container. I am the CARB QUEEN! AND I REALLY like my Shakeology with almond milk. I am going to have to do some trial blends to see what else works for mixing my Shakeo with. I had a salad for lunch loaded with veggies with red wine vinegar and olive oil for my dressing. For dinner I had chicken over a little bit of pasta and for my snack I had a fruit smoothie.

        Workout Day 1 Total Body Cardio: These workouts are 30 minutes long and Autumn packs a lot into those 30 minutes to really get you moving. This workout was fast paced, and high energy and wow was I sweating! lol I think the weights I used were a little too heavy, so I might have to adjust that next week, but overall, it was a GREAT sweat session. When I sweat like that, I know that I am getting a good workout. It was not easy, but Autumn coaches you through and you have to be in the mentality that you are going to do this! There are modified moves as well, which helps!

        Day 2: 

        I had my Shakeology again for breakfast with almond milk and a scoop of frozen cherries for my fruit. For lunch I had a salad and fruit again. For dinner I had chicken and a glass of wine! It was Friday so I celebrated with my 1 glass of red wine! It was yummy!

        Workout Day 2 Upper Fix: I was really excited for this workout because I love upper body exercises and lifting. For my weights in this portion I used 10 lbs. I was pretty sore from yesterday, so I figured going to 15 wasn't a good idea for me today. I have to say that I am sore today, BUT that means that I am working and having sore muscles makes me want to push harder. It's kind of a love/hate feeling... but it really makes me crave more!



        Today is lower fix and I think I need this now because I am feeling very tight in my booty and leg area. I need to stretch out and get on with lower fix. 

        My day 4 will be Pilates which I imagine will be a little more stretching. Exactly what I need!

        Day 5 will be Cardio Fix for a little extra sweating. YAY!

        Day 6 is dirty 30. I am REALLY excited for this because I have heard a LOT about it. For many of my fellow coaches, this is their favorite workout.

        Day 7 is yoga fix. I actually cheated and sampled this before I officially started (hehe) because I had a stressful day and wanted to unwind. This is a very relaxing workout. No crazy poses, everything is pretty simplistic.

        So there it is... the Basic layout of the program. Time to get my game face on! You can follow my results over the next 21 days.

        After I have successfully completed the program, I will be running a 21 day fix group for those interested in it. 

        Stay tuned for more info on that!